Oasis in the Desert

Inscription. So, what is an “Oasis” anyway?The dictionary defines it as “a green area in a dry, arid region.”

What makes it so green?If you guessed WATER, then you were right.

Most of this area gets less than ten inches of rain and snow yearly, qualifying it as a desert. In this arid climate, Shell Creek stands out as a “green ribbon of life.”

Plants and animals thrive in these streamside zones, also called riparian areas. These green zones provide plenty of food and shelter right next to water – the basics for survival.

Riparian areas are also transportation corridors or highways for animals that depend on water for food and shelter.

Shell Falls Trail

To learn more about the biology of Shell Canyon, ‘make tracks’ for the Shell Falls National Recreation Trail. Allow ten to twenty minutes for the walk. It is wheelchair accessible.

Erected by Bighorn National Forest.

Location. 44° 35.204′ N, 107° 36.898′ W. Marker is in Shell, Wyoming, in Big Horn County. Marker can be reached from U.S. 14, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is located in the Shell Falls Interpretive Site

By Bill Coughlin, July 24, 2015

2. Oasis in the Desert Marker

There are several markers at this location. The Oasis in the Desert marker is the leftmost of the three in the foreground.

in Bighorn National Forest. Marker is in this post office area: Shell WY 82441, United States of America.

Marker is located in the Shell Falls Interpretive Site in Bighorn National Forest.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on September 5, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of North Arlington, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 220 times since then and 4 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 5, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of North Arlington, New Jersey.